News

Five memorable roles of Conrad Bain

By Ann Tatko-PetersonContra Costa Times

Posted:
01/16/2013 02:41:31 PM PST

Updated:
01/16/2013 02:41:32 PM PST

Conrad Bain was best known for his role on "Diff'rent Strokes," but the late actor -- who died Wednesday of natural causes in Livermore, Calif. -- also had a few other memorable supporting roles in television and film. Here are five of his most notable.

1. Philip Drummond on "Diff'rent Strokes": From 1978 to 1986, he played the Park Avenue millionaire who adopted the two black sons of his late domestic employee. Although upstaged by the child actors, Bain was always seen as the show's stabilizing character.

2. Dr. Arthur Harmon on "Maude": From 1972 to 1978, he served as the conservative counterpoint for Bea Arthur's title character and the husband of Rue McClahan's character.

3. Charlie Ross on "Mr. President": He was the trusted chief of staff for George C. Scott's president in the comedy from 1987 to 1988.

4. Grandpa in "Postcards from the Edge": His most notable film role -- also his last on the big screen -- came in this film starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine. Bain was the muddled grandfather who played opposite crabby Mary Wickes.

5. Philip Drummond on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air": Few remember that Bain resurrected his beloved "Diff'rent Strokes" character on the series finale of the comedy that made Will Smith a household name.